How To Pick The Right Dating App For You In 2023

Millions of us now, almost exclusively, meet potential dates, hook-ups, and partners via dating apps. In fact, a recent study revealed that an estimated 323 million individuals worldwide use dating apps and do so with the use of over 8000 dating sites and apps.

But with so many options out there, how do you know which app to use? And even more importantly, how do you actually find the kind of person you’re looking for? 

Regardless of the type and market of the dating app you will be looking to make use of, some golden rules are universal. Here are some tips to help you navigate the dating app maze.

1. Know What You Want

Before you sign up with any dating app, consider what it is you want from their service and be honest with yourself, as it will save you a great deal of time and energy in the long run. 

For instance, if you are looking to hook up and have fun, then you’ll need to find an app that is best placed to help you find what you are looking for. Similarly, if you want something more substantial, long-term, and meaningful, an alternative app will be a better starting point.

2. Spread the Net

If you were looking to meet new people in an offline world, you wouldn’t just select one location to do so. You’d likely try out a few locations and activities to see what was most effective, and the same is true of dating apps.

Try out different dating apps and make the best use of those that are entirely free or offer free versions as well as a premium service that you might upgrade to if you feel the app or site is worthy of you doing so.

3. Make an Honest Profile

You may be tempted to jazz up your dating profile, to embellish or outright lie, in order to boost your chances of winning the attention of others. We strongly suggest you avoid this as much as possible.

Keep things short and snappy, and avoid the usage of photos from a previous decade. 

4. Beware of Scammers and Time Wasters

You should always be wary in terms of revealing any key information via your dating apps, both in terms of messages purporting to come from the relevant app as well as in discussions with prospective hook-ups and dates. 

Additionally, don’t waste time with those who are obviously not relevant to your needs and wants. You can very quickly end up spending far too much time on your dating app, and this can be avoided if you stick to conversing with those who genuinely interest you and appear suitable.

5. Use Niche Sites to Help You Get What You Want

The proliferation of the online dating market means that there are countless options for every niche you can imagine. For instance, if you are 50+, then you should try out dating apps that are catered specifically for more mature individuals rather than wasting your time on sites that are more of a free-for-all. Similarly, members of the LGBTQ+ community can find gay dating apps here instead of trying to make apps designed for cisgender, heterosexual couples work for them.

This is all the more relevant for niches related to personal tastes and life choices, such as those who are better placed using Christian dating apps, where like-minded people can be connected with.

6. Don’t Get Greedy

Sometimes users of dating apps can get carried away. It’s not uncommon for someone to be out on a date that was secured via an app and simultaneously (while on the date) is looking at the app for other potential matches. 

Take each date seriously, and don’t constantly be considering the next one. Remember why you signed up for a dating app in the first place, and try to approach the situation in a compassionate manner. 

7. Be Clear With Your Intentions

A common complaint in relation to dating app users is that the person they are on a date with often has different expectations. If you are meeting someone for a hook-up or a short-term bit of fun, then it’s only fair that they know this. Conversely, if you want something serious, you should make that clear from the get-go. 

Using dating apps can be incredibly fun and effective, and when used correctly, they serve an incredibly important purpose in 2023. Knowing how to use them best, and adopting the right etiquette while doing so, is the key to riding the technological dating wave we find ourselves in.

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